Childminder in Gateshead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 311580 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Janet Fairhurst

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and their 2 children aged 9 and 13 years, on a residential estate, close to shops and schools. The childminder regularly works with her husband who is a registered childminder. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden at the rear of the property, which can be used for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She uses local amenities such as the park and toddler groups. She is registered to care for 6

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 children, and when working with her partner can care for eight children at any one time. There is currently 13 children on roll who attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. There are daily outings to the local parks, toddler groups, soft play and other places of interest; where children can run, jump and climb. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's need for a wide variety of physical play to build their confidence and ensure their health, growth and development. Children are cared for in a warm and clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They learn when they need to wash their hands before meals and after visiting the toilet. Good hygiene arrangements are in place during nappy changing routines that help prevent the spread of infection. Children are protected from infection and ill health because the childminder is well informed about children's health care matters. Children's dietary needs are met and they benefit from healthy meals and snacks,

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Helping children to be healthy

such as fresh fruit, dried fruit and vegetables. Effective systems ensure that meals provided by parents are appropriately stored and prepared; as a result, children are offered foods suited to their individual needs. Children confidently choose when they want a drink. Younger children are regularly offered drinks to ensure they are not thirsty

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised by the effective organisation of space and the use of safety equipment. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through discussions with the childminder about road safety and house rules, such as no running indoors. Children use a varied range of good quality play materials and equipment, which are safe and suitable to minimise risks. These are organised to encourage children's independent access. Babies do not have access to toys, which may cause them any harm and older children learn to keep small items out of reach. Young children learn how to use all their senses as they explore and investigate a range of safe, natural materials. The childminder gives good individual support and ensures close physical proximity so babies quickly become confident as they attempt to pull themselves up onto furniture and try to crawl. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good knowledge and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding about child protection procedures and has all relevant information and contact details, which enables her to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children benefit from familiar routines that help them feel secure. They are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder and the varied activities. Children's confidence and independence skills are developing well as they make choices about activities and the materials they use. Children experience a wide range of activities, which promote their development and learning both within the home and the community. They enjoy dressing up and learning about shape during creative activities. Young children enjoy music and exploring objects that make different sounds. Children are developing good levels of concentration, as they explore and select a range of creative materials to express their own ideas. The childminder uses this opportunities to promote children's learning, as they talk about shape and size, as well as, sound out letters of the child's name. Children benefit from warm and affectionate relationships with the childminder, which

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

contribute to children's sense of belonging. Children freely climb on the childminder's knee to give her a hug. The children and childminder show mutual respect for each other, as they talk and listen to each other. Children develop their language and communication skills, as they look at photographs and scrap books with the childminder. This helps them recall familiar events and talk about their family making links with home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder forms with parents. Information about the children's development and activities are shared on a daily basis. This provides continuity and consistency for children, and involves parents in their child's care. Children are respected for their individuality. They confidently make their needs known, and express their thoughts and ideas, which makes each child feel important and valued. Children learn about the wider world through resources and activities. The childminder talks to children about similarities and differences; encouraging children to respect others. Children are very well behaved. They are clear about the boundaries and expectations, which are explained to them and applied consistently. Children display high self-esteem and confidence as they are praised for their efforts and achievements and their work is displayed and valued.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder does not have a current first aid certificate, but provided evidence that this training will be completed shortly. The premises are well organised, ensuring the children feel safe and at ease. The layout helps to maximise play opportunities. For example the additional play space the conservatory offers, allows children scope to participate in a range of different activities. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder works in partnership with her husband, who is a childminder in his own right. They work very well as a team and share effectively the care of the children. Written policies and daily diaries are used to inform the parents of the service, and to inform them of their children's activities and achievements. This approach helps to

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Organisation

contribute to the continuity in the children's care. The childminder has all required documentation in place, which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection recommended that the childminder devise written policies to share with parents. The childminder has produced written polices, which are shared effectively with parents, providing them with information about the service and the range of activities that are offered to their children. This approach contributes greatly to children's overall well-being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 take account of the following recommendation(s): • update knowledge of first aid to ensure children's safety.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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